Liverpool supporters in the Transfer Tavern are slowly but surely getting over their team’s deflating Champions League final defeat at the hands of Real Madrid last month, what with the Reds going down 3-1 to the Spanish heavyweights.
Jurgen Klopp’s men were full of hope and confidence that they could seal a sixth European crown in Kiev on May 26, having beaten the likes of Porto, Manchester City, and Roma to reach the showpiece. However, the Merseyside giants were second-best in the Ukrainian capital with a brace from Gareth Bale and a Karim Benzema goal enough to seal victory for Real, which in turn secured their third successive Champions League triumph.
Consequently, there have been many disappointed Reds fans in the Tavern in recent times, although they are likely to be intrigued by recent reports linking their side with a £12 million move for Stoke City winger Xherdan Shaqiri.
And while the 26-year-old would likely be a useful addition to Klopp’s squad, they should forget about him and instead show greater ambition by sealing a deal for £58.5 million-rated star Thomas Lemar (as per Transfermarkt).
Switzerland international Shaqiri has arguably flattered to deceive during his three-year stint at Stoke, with just 15 goals and 15 assists to show for his 92 appearances for the Staffordshire-based outfit.
And while this term was his best in terms of contributions, netting eight times and laying on seven assists in 36 Premier League appearances, there is concern among our resident Liverpudlians that he goes missing in games far too often, whereas the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane simply don’t.
Thus, the Swiss ace doesn’t appear to be a signing that would push the aforementioned duo, whereas there is little doubting that 22-year-old Lemar would be.
While the France international didn’t enjoy the best of seasons this time round, netting just three goals for Monaco, he was absolutely superb for Leonardo Jardim’s men last term in scoring 14 goals and laying on 17 assists for the club to help them to the Ligue 1 title, and indeed into the last four of the Champions League.
Thus, it’s clear that the 22-year-old is one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe and is surely destined for big things, hence he has been repeatedly linked with a move to Anfield, and indeed to Arsenal, in the last 12 months.
And while his form this season is likely to be of concern to some of our resident Reds supporters, it’s surely just a matter of time before Lemar re-discovers his 2016/17 form, and as such continues his rise to becoming one of the best attackers in European football.
And if Liverpool are serious about challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title next term, these are the sort of additions they have to be making, with Klopp needing huge amounts of creativity and flair at his disposal.
At the moment, outside of messrs Mane, Salah, and Roberto Firmino, the attacking options simply aren’t good enough, and while Shaqiri’s addition would bolster them, Lemar’s arrival would substantially improve them.
Thus, the Reds should forget about a move for the Stoke ace, and instead show more ambition by sealing a deal for Monaco’s Lemar.
Liverpool fans… what do you think? Let us know!
